Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Earlier than you’d expect on a Saturday morning, a small crowd started assembling outside the Bank of the West at SE 82nd Ave. of Roses and Division St. on June 3.

Soon, two dozen neighbors, business people and other volunteers had gathered on a beautiful morning to take on an ugly issue ‚Äì crime along the avenue.

People from neighborhood associations, businesspeople, and Portland Police Cadets volunteered for the event.

“This is the culmination of a collaborative effort between neighbors and businesses along the Ave of Roses,” is how 82nd Avenue of Roses Association president Ken Turner put it to us. “We started the Avenue of Roses Project, which includes planting roses as a symbol of our desire to improve our street. The idea is to celebrate the history of 82nd Avenue, and all of the good we’ve brought to East Portland. And, we’re shaping the future profile of our street.”

“The Eastside Guy” and former City Council Candidate Dave Lister, and 82nd Avenue of Roses Association president Ken Turner, present to Doug Weidman of Banner Furniture Outlet a window cling, aimed at reducing crime along the avenue.

Turner said reducing crime was the focus of this event. “We’re distributing window clings, featuring our logo, and the statement, ‘We Report All Crimes’. We’re going from business to business, asking them to display it in their windows. We’re hoping to get 150 businesses involved with us today. This is another step toward the recognition of 82nd Avenue as a good place to be, work, and give.”

Then, still early on a Saturday morning in early June, off they went, with the slogan in mind: “We’ll enhance the best, and weed out the rest.”